Compositions, materials incorporating the compositions, and methods of using the compositions and materials

ABSTRACT

Compositions, materials incorporating the compositions, and methods of use thereof, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the composition includes a metal nitrate selected from d-block metal nitrates and f-block metal nitrates and a metal salt having weakly bound counter anions. The metal of the metal salt having weakly bound counter anions is selected from a d-block metal and an f-block metal. Another embodiment of the composition includes a first polyoxometalate having a first metal selected from a d-block metal and an f-block metal and a second polyoxometalate having a second metal selected from a d-block metal and an f-block metal. The first metal being an open coordinate site of the first polyoxometalate. In addition, the first metal has a nitrate terminal ligand. The second metal being an open coordinate site of the second polyoxometalate. In addition, the second metal has a halide terminal ligand.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to copending U.S. provisional patent application entitled “Materials for Degrading Contaminants” filed on Feb. 25, 2003 and accorded Ser. No. 60/449,892, which is entirely incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] The U.S. government may have a paid-up license in embodiments of this disclosure and the right in limited circumstances to require the patent owner to license others on reasonable terms as provided for by the terms of DAMD 17-99-C-9012 awarded by the U.S. Army of the U.S. Government.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure is generally related to compositions, materials incorporating the compositions, and methods of use thereof.

BACKGROUND

[0004] Decreasing the danger of contaminants, such as warfare agents, aldehydes, and sulfur compounds, has long been a significant issue. Compositions that can protect and/or remove contaminants from the environment in which people, such as military or office personnel, are operating can significantly decrease problems associated with contaminants. Various compositions have been used, but in many instances the compositions do not protect and/or remove contaminants in an efficacious manner. Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to develop materials that are effective against contaminants.

SUMMARY

[0005] Briefly described, embodiments of this disclosure, among others, include compositions, materials incorporating the compositions, and methods of use thereof. In one embodiment, the composition includes a metal nitrate selected from d-block metal nitrates or f-block metal nitrates and a metal salt having weakly bound counter anions. The metal of the metal salt having weakly bound counter anions is selected from a d-block metal and an f-block metal.

[0006] Another embodiment of the composition includes a first polyoxometalate having a first metal selected from a d-block metal or an f-block metal and a second polyoxometalate having a second metal selected from a d-block metal and an f-block metal. The first metal being an open coordinate site of the first polyoxometalate. In addition, the first metal has a nitrate terminal ligand. The second metal being an open coordinate site of the second polyoxometalate. In addition, the second metal has a halide terminal ligand.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] In accordance with the present disclosure, as embodied and broadly described herein, embodiments of this disclosure, in one aspect, relate to compositions, materials incorporating the compositions, and methods of use thereof, for the protection and/or decontamination of contaminants. An embodiment of the composition includes, but is not limited to, a metal nitrate and a metal salt having weakly bound counter anions. The metal nitrate can include, but is not limited to, d-block metal nitrates and f-block metal nitrates. The metal of the metal salt having weakly bound counter anions can include, but is not limited to, d-block metal salts and f-block metal salts. In addition, the composition can include a polyoxometalate. The composition is a mixture of two or more components (e.g., a metal salt having weakly bound counter anions, a metal nitrate, and/or a polyoxometalate). Additional details regarding embodiments of this composition are discussed below.

[0008] Another embodiment of the composition includes, but is not limited to, polyoxometalates having a metal such as a d-block metal and/or an f-block metal. The metal is an open coordinate site of the polyoxometalate and has a nitrate terminal ligand and/or a halide terminal ligand. The composition is a mixture of two or more polyoxometalates, where at least one of the polyoxometalates includes the nitrate terminal ligand and at least one of the polyoxometalates includes the halide terminal ligand. Additional details regarding embodiments of this composition are discussed below.

[0009] As described above, the metal nitrate can include, but is not limited to, d-block metal nitrates and f-block metal nitrates. In particular, embodiments of the composition can include metal nitrates such as, but not limited to, iron (III) nitrate, cobalt (II) nitrate, nickel (II) nitrate, copper (II) nitrate, cerium (III) nitrate, and cerium (IV) nitrate. In another embodiment the d-block or f-block metal can be replaced with an ammonium compound such as, but not limited to, tetraethylammonium (TEA) or tetra-n-butylammonium (TBA), for example.

[0010] As described above, the metal salt having weakly bound counter anions can include, but is not limited to, d-block metal salts having weakly bound counter anions and f-block metal salts having weakly bound counter anions. The d-block metal salts and f-block metal salts can include any known weakly bound anion or large hydrophobic “low-charge” counterion. The anions can include, but are not limited to, perchlorate, trifluoromethanesulfonate (commonly know as “triflate”), and tetrafluoroborate. The d-block metal and f-block metal can include, but is not limited to, copper and iron. In particular, embodiments of the composition can include metal salts having weakly bound counter anions, such as, but not limited to, copper (II) perchlorate, copper (II) trifluoromethanesulfonate, and copper (II) tetrafluoroborate.

[0011] The composition can include the metal nitrate in about 15 to 40% weight of the composition and the about 20 to 30% weight of the composition. In addition, the composition can include the metal having weakly bound counter anions in about 60 to 85% weight of the composition and about 70 to 80% weight of the composition.

[0012] Another embodiment of the composition can include a polyoxometalate as well as the metal nitrate and the metal salt having weakly bound counter anions. The polyoxometalate can have the general formula of A[V_(k)Mo_(m)W_(n)Nb_(o)Ta_(p)M_(q)X_(r)O_(s)]^(y−). “A” is at least one counterion, which can include, but is not limited to, alkali metal cations, alkaline earth metal cations, ammonium cations, quaternary ammonium cations, d-block cations, f-block cations, or combinations thereof “M” is at least one f- or d-block element having at least one d-electron, except for vanadium, molybdenum, tungsten, niobium, or tantalum. “X” is at least one p-, d-, or f-block element, except for oxygen. In addition, “k” can range from 0 to 30, “m” can range from 0 to 160, “n” can range from 0 to 160, “o” can range from 0 to 30, “p” can range from 0 to 10, “q” can range from 0 to 30, “r” can range from 0 to 30, “s” is sufficiently large that “y” is greater than zero. Further, the sum of“k”, “m”, “n”, “o”, and “p” is greater than or equal to four; and the sum of “k”, “m”, and “q” is greater than zero.

[0013] In another embodiment, the polyoxometalate has the formula [X^(g+)V_(b)M^(h+) _(c)Z_(12-b-c)O₄₀]^(u−)[A]. “X” is at least one p-, d-, or f-block element, while “g+” is the charge of X. “M” is at least one f-block element or d-block element having at least one d-electron, where “M” is not vanadium and “h+” is the charge of “M”. “Z” is tungsten, molybdenum, niobium, or a combination thereof In addition, “b” is from 0 to 6; “c” is from 0 to 6, where the sum of“b” and “c” is greater than or equal to one. Lastly, “u” is greater than 3 and “A” is a counterion.

[0014] In another embodiment, the polyoxometalate has the formula [X^(g+)V_(b)Z_(12-b)O₄₀]^(u−)[A]. “X” is at least one of phosphorus, silicon, aluminum, boron, zinc, cobalt, or iron, while “Z” includes tungsten, molybdenum, niobium, or a combination thereof. In addition, “b” is from 1 to 6 and “u” is greater than 3.

[0015] In another embodiment, the polyoxometalate has the formula [X^(g+)M^(h+) _(c)Z_(12-c)O₄₀]^(u−)[A]. “X” is at least one of phosphorus, silicon, aluminum, boron, zinc, cobalt, or iron, while “Z” includes tungsten, molybdenum, niobium, or a combination thereof. In addition, “M^(h+)” is at least one f-block element or d-block element having at least one d-electron, while “c” is from 1 to 6 and “u” is greater than 3.

[0016] In another embodiment, the polyoxometalate has the formula [X^(i+) ₂V_(u)M^(j+) _(v)Z_(18-u-v)O₆₂]^(w−)[A]. “X” is at least one p-, d-, or f-block element, “i+” is the charge of “X”. “M” is at least one d- or f-block element, where “M” is not vanadium. In addition, “j+” is the charge of “M”. “Z” is tungsten, molybdenum, niobium, or a combination thereof. Further, “u” is from 0 to 9; “v” is from 0 to 9, where the sum of “u” and “v” is greater than or equal to one. Lastly, “w” is greater than or equal to 4 and “A” is a counterion.

[0017] In another embodiment, the polyoxometalate has the formula [X^(i+) ₂V_(u)Z_(18-u)O₆₂]^(w−)[A]. “X” is at least one of phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, aluminum, boron, zinc, cobalt, or iron. “Z” comprises tungsten, molybdenum, niobium, or a combination thereof In addition, “u” is from 1 to 9 and “w” is greater than or equal to 4.

[0018] In another embodiment, the polyoxometalate has the formula [X^(i+) ₂M^(j+) _(v)Z_(18-v)O₆₂]^(w−)[A]. “X” is at least one of phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, aluminum, boron, zinc, cobalt, or iron. “Z” comprises tungsten, molybdenum, niobium, or a combination thereof “M^(j+)” is at least one d- or f-block element, while “v” is from 1 to 9 and “w” is greater than or equal to 4.

[0019] In another embodiment, the polyoxometalate has the formula [YV_(x)Z_(12-x)O₄₀][A]. “Y” is phosphorus, silicon, or aluminum, while “Z” is tungsten or molybdenum. In addition, “x” is from 1 to 6 and “A” is a counterion. In one embodiment, “Y” is phosphorus and “Z” is molybdenum. In one embodiment, “Y” is phosphorus and “Z” is tungsten. In one embodiment, “Y” is silicon and “Z” is molybdenum. In one embodiment, “Y” is silicon and “Z” is tungsten. In one embodiment, “Y” is aluminum and “Z” is tungsten. In one embodiment, “Y” is aluminum and “Z” is molybdenum.

[0020] The composition can include the polyoxometalate in about 0.05 to 0.20% weight of the composition. In particular, the composition can include the polyoxometalate in about 0.10 to 0.15% weight of the composition.

[0021] Some compositions are effective at degrading contaminants such as warfare agents (e.g., chemical and/or biological warfare agents). Not intending to be bound by any particular theory, embodiments of the disclosure may be effective as catalysts with respect to the oxidation of chemical and/or biological warfare agents. In particular, compositions of the present disclosure are effective at oxidizing 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES), a mustard gas stimulant, using oxygen (O₂) or air as the terminal oxidant.

[0022] In this regard, Table 1 describes results obtained by allowing 2-chlorethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES) to be oxidized by dioxygen in air while in the presence of exemplary compositions. TABLE 1 Selective Aerobic Sulfoxidation of 2-Chloroethyl Ethyl Sulfide (CEES) in Acetonitrile by Cu(II) and/or Polyoxometalate (POM)-based Homogeneous Catalysts^(a) POM % % Catalyst^(b) (mmol)^(c) conv.^(d) yield^(e) TON^(g) Cu(NO₃)₂/Cu(OTf)₂ (Cu/Cu)^(h) 0 56 56 — TBA₆V₁₀O₂₈ (TBA₆1)^(i) 0.003 0 0 0 TBA₅PV₂Mo₁₀O₄₀ (TBA₅2)^(i) 0.0035 2.5 2.4 6 TBA₆Fe₃PW₉O₃₇ (TBA₆3)^(i) 0.004 0 0 0 TBA₉Fe₃(A-PW₉O₃₄)₂ (TBA₉4)^(i) 0.004 0 0 0 TBA₁₂Fe(OH₂)₂Fe₂(P₂W₁₅O₅₆)₂ 0.002 0 0 0 (TBA₁₂5)^(i) Cu/Cu/TBA₆1 0.003 56 56 0 Cu/Cu/TBA₅2 0.0035 56 56 0 Cu/Cu/TBA₆3 0.004 81 81 54 Cu/Cu/TBA₉4 0.002 57 57 0 Cu/Cu/TBA₁₂5 0.0022 56 56 0

[0023] In another embodiment described above, the composition includes, but is not limited to, two or more polyoxometalates having a metal such as a d-block metal and/or an f-block metal. As described above, the metal is an open coordinate site of the polyoxometalate and has a nitrate terminal ligand and/or a halide terminal ligand. The composition is a mixture of at least a first polyoxometalates having a nitrate terminal ligand and a second polyoxometalate having a halide terminal ligand.

[0024] The first polyoxometalate includes a first metal that is an open coordinate site of the first polyoxometalate and has a nitrate terminal ligand. The first metal can include a d-block metal and/or an f-block metal such as, but not limited to, iron (III), cobalt (II), nickel (II), copper (II), cerium (III), and cerium (IV). In particular, the first metal can include iron (III), copper (II), cerium (III), and cerium (IV).

[0025] The second polyoxometalate includes a second metal that is an open coordinate site of the second polyoxometalate and has a halide terminal ligand. The second metal can include a d-block metal and/or an f-block metal such as, but not limited to, iron (III) and copper (II). The halide can include bromide, chloride, fluoride, and iodide, and preferably bromide.

[0026] In addition to the first metal and the second metal, the first and/or second polyoxometalates, respectively, can be further described by the formulas A[V_(k)Mo_(m)W_(n)Nb_(o)Ta_(p)M_(q)X_(r)O_(s)]^(y−), [X^(g+)V_(b)M^(h+) _(c)Z_(12-b-c)O₄₀]^(u−)[A], [X^(g+)V_(b)Z_(12-b)O₄₀]^(u−)[A], [X^(g+)M^(h+) _(c)Z_(12-c)O₄₀]^(u−)[A], [X^(i+) ₂V_(u)M^(j+) _(v)Z_(18-u-v)O₆₂]^(w−)[A], [X^(i+) ₂V_(u)Z_(18-u)O₆₂]^(w−)[A], [X^(i+) ₂M^(j+) _(v)Z_(18-v)O₆₂]^(w−)[A], and [YV_(x)Z_(12-x)O₄₀][A], as defined in more detail above.

[0027] In particular, the first polyoxometalate can include TBA_(9-x)H_(x)[A-α-(Fe(NO₃))₃PW₉O₃₇], TBA_(12-x)H_(x)H_(x)[A-α-(Cu(NO₃))₃PW₉O₃₇], TBA_(9-x)H_(x)[A-α-(Ce(III)(NO₃))₃PW₉O₃₇], and TBA_(6-x)H_(x)[A-α-(Ce(IV)(NO₃))₃PW₉O₃₇], for example. The second polyoxometalate can include TBA_(9-n-x)Na_(n)[A-α-(FeBr)₃PW₉Br_(x)O_(37-x)] and TBA_(12-n-x)Na_(n)[A-α-(CuBr)₃PW₉Br_(x)O_(37-x)], for example. In other embodiments the first and second polyoxometalates, one or more counterions such as sodium, potassium, lithium, or combinations thereof, can be used in place of one or more TBA cations or H cations.

[0028] The composition can include the first polyoxometalate in about 35 to 65% weight of the composition and the about 45 to 55% weight of the composition. In addition, the composition can include the second polyoxometalate in about 35 to 65% weight of the composition and about 45 to 55% weight of the composition.

[0029] In this regard, Table 2 describes results obtained by allowing 2-chlorethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES) to be oxidized by dioxygen in air while in the presence of exemplary compositions. TABLE 2 Aerobic Oxidation of 2-Chloroethyl Ethyl Sulfide (CEES) in Acetonitrile by Keggin-type Polyoxometalates (POMs)-based Homogeneous Catalysts^(a) 30 min^(c) 20 hrs^(c) 50 hrs^(c) % % % % % % Catalyst^(b) conv.^(d) yield^(e) conv.^(d) yield^(e) conv.^(d) yield^(e) TBA₉ (Fe^(III)(OH₂)₂)₃(A-α-PW₉O₃₄)₂ (1) 0 0 0 0 0 0 TBA_(9-n-x)Na_(n)[A-α-(FeBr)₃PW₉Br_(x)O_(37-x)] (2)^(f) 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 + 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 TBA_(9-x)H_(x)[A-α-(Fe(NO₃))₃PW₉O₃₇] (3)^(g) 1 0.5 3 3^(h) 12 12 3 + 2 4 2 57 48 66 60 TBA_(12-x)H_(x)[A-α-(Cu(NO₃))₃PW₉O₃₇] (4)^(i) 1 1.5 5 5 12 12 4 + 2 37 30 70 63 99 90 TBA_(9-x)H_(x)[A-α-(Ce(III)(NO₃))₃PW₉O₃₇] (5)^(j) 1 0.5 3 3 5 5 5 + 2 7 5 33 25 33 30 TBA_(6-x)H_(x)[A-α-(Ce(IV)(NO₃))₃PW₉O₃₇] (6)^(k) 1 1 5 5 8 8 6 + 2 19 15 58 52 75 70

[0030] Embodiments of the compositions described herein are capable of degrading a single contaminant or multiple contaminants in an environment. The term “environment” as used herein refers to any media that contains at least one contaminant. For example, in one embodiment, the environment may comprise a liquid phase. In another embodiment, the environment may comprise a gas phase.

[0031] The term “degrade” or “degradation” refers to, but is not limited to, the degradation of the contaminant, the conversion of the contaminant into another compound that is either less toxic or nontoxic, or the adsorption of the contaminant by the compositions of the present disclosure. The compositions may be able to degrade the contaminant by a number of different mechanisms. For example, the compositions of the present disclosure can aerobically oxidize the contaminant.

[0032] Contaminants that can be degraded by using compositions of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, chemical warfare agents, biological warfare agents, or combinations thereof. Exemplary chemical warfare agents include mustard gas and sarin, while an exemplary biological warfare agent includes anthrax.

[0033] Some of the chemical warfare agents and biological warfare agents disclosed in Marrs, Timothy C.; Maynard, Robert L.; Sidell, Frederick R.; Chemical Warfare Agents Toxicology and Treatment; John Wiley & Sons: Chichester, England, 1996; Compton, James A. F.; Military Chemical and Biological Agents Chemical and Toxicological Properties; The Telford Press: Caldwell, N.J., 1988; Somani, Satu M.; Chemical Warfare Agents; Academic Press: San Diego, 1992, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, may be degraded by embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] Furthermore, contaminants that can be degraded by using embodiments of the present disclosure generally include, but are not limited to, the following: aldehydes, aliphatic nitrogen compounds, sulfur compounds, aliphatic oxygenated compounds, halogenated compounds, organophosphate compounds, phosphonothionate compounds, phosphorothionate compounds, arsenic compounds, chloroethyl compounds, phosgene, cyanic compounds, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the contaminant is acetaldehyde, methyl mercaptan, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, diethyl sulfide, diethyl disulfide, dimethyl sulfide, dimethyl disulfide, trimethylamine, styrene, propionic acid, n-butyric acid, n-valeric acid, iso-valeric acid, pyridine, formaldehyde, 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide, carbon monoxide, or combinations thereof.

[0035] Compositions of the present disclosure are typically used in the presence of an oxidizer to degrade a contaminant from the environment. An example of an oxidizer includes, but is not limited to, dioxygen. In a preferred embodiment, oxygen present in the air is used as the oxidizer.

[0036] Compositions of the present disclosure can be incorporated into a suitable material in order to facilitate the protection and/or degradation of a contaminant. The materials may include, for example, topical carriers, coatings, powders, and/or fabrics, for example. A material as used herein refers to a media that incorporates one or more of the compositions of the present disclosure.

[0037] Some compositions can be incorporated into the material using techniques known in the art. In one embodiment, when the material is a topical carrier, powder, or coating, the composition is directly added to and admixed with the material. In one embodiment, the components of the composition can be incorporated sequentially into the material. In another embodiment, the material is contacted with a composition comprising the composition and a solvent. The composition can be soluble, partially soluble, or insoluble in the solvent, depending upon the components of the composition and the solvent selected. In one embodiment, the solvent is water. In another embodiment, the solvent can be an organic solvent. Examples of solvents useful in embodiments of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, acetonitrile, toluene, carbon dioxide, xylenes, 1-methyl-2pyrrolidinone, or fluorinated media such as perfluoropolyether compounds.

[0038] The amount of each composition incorporated into the material varies, depending, at least in part, upon the contaminant to be degraded and the material that is selected. There is little restriction on the amount of each composition that can be incorporated into the material. In one embodiment, the composition incorporated in the material is from 0.1 to 95% by weight of the composition. In one embodiment, the lower limit of composition by weight maybe 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 5.0, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50%, and the upper limit maybe 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, or 95%. In one embodiment, when the material is a topical carrier, the composition is from 1 to 50% by weight of topical composition.

[0039] Compositions of the present disclosure can be used in a wide variety of topical carriers. Suitable topically acceptable pharmaceutical carriers are those which typically are used in the topical application of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Examples of such carriers include, but are not limited to, lotions, creams, ointments, and gels. In some applications, topical carriers can be referred to as barrier creams and topical skin protectants. Any of the topical carriers disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,607,979, to McCreery, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety, can be used in some of the embodiments of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the topical carrier comprises a perfluorinated media (e.g., a polymer or a mixture of polymers). In another embodiment, the topical carrier comprises perfluoropolyether compounds. An example of a perfluoropolyether (PFPE) compound useful in the present disclosure has the general formula CF₃O[—CF(CF₃)CF₂O—]_(x)(—CF₂O—)_(y)CF₃. Examples of PFPE media include Fluorolink®, Galden®, and Fomblin®, for example, from the Ausimont Montedison Group. In one embodiment, the topical carrier comprises a perflourinated polymer and one or more unfluorinated polymers or compounds. In another embodiment, the topical carrier comprises a perfluoropolyether and one or more unfluorinated polyethers.

[0040] In one embodiment, the topical carrier may further contain saturated or unsaturated fatty acids such as stearic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, palmito-oleic acid, cetyl or oleyl alcohols, stearic acid, fluorinated acids, fluorinated alcohols, or combinations thereof The cream may also optionally contain one or more surfactants, such as a non-ionic surfactant.

[0041] A wide variety of powders and coatings (e.g., thermoplastics and thermosettings) known in the art can be used as the material in embodiments of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the powder comprises activated carbon.

[0042] Almost any fabric can be developed to include one or more of the compositions. In one embodiment, fabrics used to prepare garments, draperies, carpets, and upholstery can be used and articles made from them are a part of this disclosure. In another embodiment, the fabric can be a knit or non-woven fabric. Useful fibers include, but are not limited to, polyamide, cotton, polyacrylic, polyacrylonitrile, polyester, polyvinylidine, polyolefin, polyurethane, polyurea, polytetrafluoroethylene, or carbon cloth, or a combination thereof. In still another embodiment, the fabric is prepared from cotton, polyacrylic, or polyacrylonitrile. In still another embodiment, the fabric is prepared from a cationic fiber. In another embodiment, the fabric comprises (1) a 50/50 blend of nylon-6,6 and cotton or (2) stretchable carbon blended with polyurethane or polyurea.

[0043] Further, any cellulosic fiber can incorporate the mixtures of the present disclosure. Examples of useful cellulosic fibers include, but are not limited to, wood or paper.

[0044] In one embodiment, when the material is a fabric or cellulosic fiber, the composition is from about 0.1 to about 20% by weight composition and from initially about 80 to about 99.9% by weight water, preferably from about 0.3 to about 15% by weight composition and initially 85 to 99.7% by weight water. Generally, the fabric or cellulosic fiber is dipped or immersed into the composition from several hours up to days at a temperature of from about 0° C. to 100° C., preferably for 2 hours to 2 days at from about 25° C. to 80° C. In another embodiment, the composition can be admixed with a resin or adhesive, and the resultant adhesive is applied to the surface of, or admixed with, the fabric or cellulosic fiber.

[0045] Typically, once the material has been contacted with the composition, the composition is dried in order to remove residual solvent. In one embodiment, the composition is heated from about 0° C. to 220° C. at or below atmospheric pressure, preferably from about 25° C. to 100° C. In another embodiment, the composition is dried in vacuo (i.e., less than or equal to about 10 torr).

[0046] In another embodiment, when the material is a fabric or cellulosic fiber, the composition can be incorporated into the fabric or cellulosic fiber by depositing the composition on the surface of an existing fabric or cellulosic fiber, covalently bonding the components of the composition to the fibers of the fabric or cellulosic fiber, impregnating or intimately mixing the composition with the fabric or cellulosic fiber, electrostatically bonding the components of the composition to the fabric or cellulosic fiber, or datively bonding the components of the composition to the fabric or cellulosic fiber.

[0047] Embodiments of the compositions of the present disclosure have a number of advantages over the prior art decontaminants. One advantage is that the compositions of the present disclosure can catalytically degrade a contaminant from the environment starting within milliseconds of contact and can degrade the contaminant for extended periods of time, ranging from several days to indefinitely. Another advantage is that some compositions can render the material more water-resistant and increase the surface area of the material. Finally, when the material is a fabric or cellulosic fiber, the composition can enhance the dyeability, light fastness, color fastness, and weaving properties of the fabric or cellulosic fiber.

[0048] It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations, and are merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the disclosure without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present disclosure and protected by the following claims. 

Therefore, having thus described the invention, at least the following is claimed:
 1. A composition, comprising: a metal nitrate selected from d-block metal nitrates and f-block metal nitrates; and a metal salt having weakly bound counter anions, wherein the metal of the metal salt having weakly bound counter anions is selected from a d-block metal and an f-block metal.
 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the metal nitrate is selected from iron (III) nitrate, cobalt (II) nitrate, nickel (II) nitrate, copper (II) nitrate, cerium (III) nitrate and cerium (IV) nitrate.
 3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the metal salt having weakly bound counter anions is selected from copper (II) perchlorate, copper (II) trifluoromethanesulfonate, and copper (II) tetrafluoroborate.
 4. The composition of claim 1, wherein the metal nitrate is selected from iron (III) nitrate, cobalt (II) nitrate, nickel (II) nitrate, copper (II) nitrate, cerium (III) nitrate and cerium (IV) nitrate, and wherein the metal salt having weakly bound counter anions is selected from copper (II) perchlorate, copper (II) trifluoromethanesulfonate, and copper (II) tetrafluoroborate.
 5. The composition of claim 1, wherein the metal nitrate is copper nitrate and the metal salt having weakly bound counter anions is copper trifluoromethanesulfonate.
 6. The composition of claim 1, further comprising a polyoxometalate.
 7. The composition of claim 6, wherein the polyoxometalate has the formula A[V_(k)Mo_(m)W_(n)Nb_(o)Ta_(p)M_(q)X_(r)O_(s)]^(y−), wherein A includes at least one counterion selected from alkali metal cations, alkaline earth metal cations, ammonium cations, quaternary ammonium cations, d-block cations, f-block cations, and combinations thereof, wherein M includes at least one element selected from an f-block element and a d-block element having at least one d-electron, except for vanadium, molybdenum, tungsten, niobium, or tantalum, wherein X includes at least on element selected from a p-block element, a d-block element, and an f-block element, except for oxygen, wherein k can range from 0 to 30, wherein m can range from 0 to 160, wherein n can range from 0 to 160, wherein o can range from 0 to 30, where p can range from 0 to 10, wherein q can range from 0 to 30, wherein r can range from 0 to 30, wherein s is a number so that y is greater than zero, wherein the sum of k, m, n, o, and p is greater than or equal to four; and wherein the sum of k, m, and q is greater than zero.
 8. The composition of claim 6, wherein the polyoxometalate has the formula [X^(g)V_(b) ^(j+)M_(c) ^(h+)Z_(12-b-c) ^(i+)O_(x)]^(u−)[A], wherein X is at least one p-, d-, or f-block element; g is greater than or equal to 2; M is at least one f-block element or d-block element having at least one d-electron, wherein M is not vanadium; h is from 1 to 7; i is from 5 to 6; j is from 4 to 5; x is 39 or 40; Z is tungsten, molybdenum, niobium, or a combination thereof; b is from 0 to 6; c is from 0 to 6; u is from 3 to 9; and A is a counterion.
 9. The composition of claim 6, wherein the polyoxometalate has the formula [X^(g)V_(b) ^(j+)Z_(12-b) ^(i+)O₄₀]^(u−)[A], wherein X is at least one of phosphorus, silicon, aluminum, boron, zinc, cobalt, or iron; b is from 1 to 6, and a is from 3 to
 9. 10. The Composition of claim 6, wherein the polyoxometalate has the formula [X^(g+)M_(c) ^(h+)Z_(12-c) ^(i+)O₄₀]^(u−)[A], wherein X is at least one of phosphorus, silicon, aluminum, boron, zinc, cobalt, or iron; c is from 1 to 6, and a is from 3 to
 9. 11. The composition of claim 6, wherein the polyoxometalate has the formula [X₂ ^(r+)V_(u) ^(s+)M_(v) ^(t+)Z_(18-u-v) ^(y+)O_(z)]^(w−)[A], wherein X is at least one p-, d-, or f-block element; r is greater than or equal to 1; M is at least one f-block element or d-block element having at least one d-electron, wherein M is not vanadium; t is from 1 to 7; s is from 4 to 5; Z is tungsten, molybdenum, niobium, or a combination thereof, a is from 0 to 9; v is from 0 to 9; y is from 5 to 6; z is 61 or 62; w is greater than or equal to 4; and A is a countenion.
 12. The composition of claim 6, wherein the polyoxometalate has the formula [X₂ ^(r+)V_(u) ^(s+)Z_(18-u) ^(y+)O₆₂]^(w−)[A], wherein X is at least one of phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, aluminum, boron, zinc, cobalt, or iron; a is from 1 to 9; and w is greater than or equal to
 4. 13. The composition of claim 6, wherein the polyoxometalate has the formula [X₂ ^(r+)M_(v) ^(t+)Z_(18-v) ^(y+O) ₆₂]^(w−)[A], wherein X is at least one of phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, aluminum, boron, zinc, cobalt, or iron; v is from 1 to 9; and w is greater than or equal to
 4. 14. The composition of claim 6, wherein the polyoxometalate has the formula [YV_(p)Z_(12-p)O₄₀][A], wherein Y is phosphorus, silicon, or aluminum; Z is tungsten or molybdenum; p is from 1 to 6, and A is a counterion.
 15. The composition of claim 6, wherein the metal nitrate is selected from iron (III) nitrate, cobalt (II) nitrate, nickel (II) nitrate, copper (II) nitrate, cerium (III) nitrate and cerium (IV) nitrate.
 16. The composition of claim 6, wherein the metal salt having weakly bound counter anions is selected from copper (II) perchlorate, copper (II) trifluoromethanesulfonate, and copper (II) tetrafluoroborate.
 17. The composition of claim 6, wherein the metal nitrate is selected from iron (III) nitrate, cobalt (II) nitrate, nickel (II) nitrate, copper (II) nitrate, cerium (III) nitrate and cerium (IV) nitrate, and wherein the metal salt having weakly bound counter anions is selected from copper (II) perchlorate, copper (II) trifluoromethanesulfonate, and copper (II) tetrafluoroborate.
 18. The composition of claim 6, wherein the polyoxometalate is selected from TBA₆Fe₃PW₉O₃₇, wherein TBA is tetra-n-butylammonium; TBA₆V₁₀O₂₈, TBA₅PV₂Mo10O₄₀; TBA₆Fe₃PW₉O₃₇; TBA₉Fe₃(A-PW₉O₃₄)₂; and TBA₁₂Fe(OH₂)₂Fe₂(P₂W₁₅O₅₆)₂.
 19. The composition of claim 18, wherein the metal nitrate is copper nitrate and the metal salt having weakly bound counter anions is copper trifluoromethanesulfonate.
 20. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is included in a material.
 21. The composition of claim 6, wherein the composition is included in a material.
 22. The composition of claim 20, wherein the material being selected from a fabric, a topical carrier, powder, and a coating.
 23. The composition of claim 21, wherein the material being selected from a fabric, a topical carrier, powder, and a coating.
 24. A method of removing a contaminant, comprising: contacting the composition of claim 1 with the contaminant.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the composition is included in a material.
 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the material being selected from a fabric, a topical carrier, powder, and a coating.
 27. A method of removing a contaminant, comprising: contacting the composition of claim 6 with the contaminant.
 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the composition is included in a material.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the material selected from a fabric, a topical carrier, powder, and a coating.
 30. A composition, comprising: a first polyoxometalate having a first metal selected from a d-block metal and an f-block metal, wherein the first metal being an open coordinate site of the first polyoxometalate, and wherein the first metal has a nitrate terminal ligand; and a second polyoxometalate having a second metal selected from a d-block metal and an f-block metal, wherein the second metal being an open coordinate site of the second polyoxometalate, and wherein the second metal has a halide terminal ligand.
 31. The composition of claim 30, wherein the halide terminal ligand is a bromide terminal ligand.
 32. The composition of claim 31, wherein the second metal is selected from iron (III) and copper (II).
 33. The composition of claim 32, wherein the first metal is selected from iron (III), copper (II), cerium (III), and cerium (IV).
 34. The composition of claim 30, wherein the first metal is selected from iron (III), cobalt (II), nickel (II), copper (II), cerium (III), and cerium (IV).
 35. The composition of claim 30, wherein the first metal is selected from iron (III), copper (II), cerium (III), and cerium (IV).
 36. The composition of claim 30, wherein the first polyoxometalate further comprises the formula A[V_(k)Mo_(m)W_(n)Nb_(o)Ta_(p)M_(q)X_(r)O_(s)]^(y−), wherein A includes at least one counterion selected from alkali metal cations, alkaline earth metal cations, ammonium cations, quaternary ammonium cations, d-block cations, f-block cations, and combinations thereof, wherein M includes at least one element selected from an f-block element and a d-block element having at least one d-electron, except for vanadium, molybdenum, tungsten, niobium, or tantalum, wherein X includes at least on element selected from a p-block element, a d-block element, and an f-block element, except for oxygen, wherein k can range from 0 to 30, wherein m can range from 0 to 160, wherein n can range from 0 to 160, wherein o can range from 0 to 30, where p can range from 0 to I0, wherein q can range from 0 to 30, wherein r can range from 0 to 30, wherein s is a number so that y is greater than zero, wherein the sum of k, m, n, o, and p is greater than or equal to four; and wherein the sum of k, m, and q is greater than zero.
 37. The composition of claim 30, wherein the first polyoxometalate further comprises the formula [X^(g)V_(b) ^(j+)M_(c) ^(h+)Z_(12-b-c) ^(i+)O_(x)]^(u−)[A], wherein X is at least one p-, d-, or f-block element; g is greater than or equal to 2; M is at least one f-block element or d-block element having at least one d-electron, wherein M is not vanadium; h is from 1 to 7; i is from 5 to 6; j is from 4 to 5; x is 39 or 40; Z is tungsten, molybdenum, niobium, or a combination thereof; b is from 0 to 6; c is from 0 to 6; u is from 3 to 9; and A is a counterion.
 38. The composition of claim 30, wherein the first polyoxometalate further comprises the formula [X^(g)V_(b) ^(j+)Z_(12-b) ^(i+)O₄₀]^(u−)[A], wherein X is at least one of phosphorus, silicon, aluminum, boron, zinc, cobalt, or iron; b is from 1 to 6, and a is from 3 to
 9. 39. The composition of claim 30, wherein the first polyoxometalate further comprises the formula [X^(g+)M_(c) ^(h+)Z_(12-c) ^(i+)O₄₀]^(u−)[A], wherein X is at least one of phosphorus, silicon, aluminum, boron, zinc, cobalt, or iron; c is from 1 to 6, and a is from 3 to
 9. 40. The composition of claim 30, wherein the first polyoxometalate further comprises the formula [X₂ ^(r+)V_(u) ^(s+)M_(v) ^(t+)Z_(18-u-v) ^(y+)O_(z)]^(w−)[A], wherein X is at least one p-, d-, or f-block element; r is greater than or equal to 1; M is at least one f-block element or d-block element having at least one d-electron, wherein M is not vanadium; t is from 1 to 7; s is from 4 to 5; Z is tungsten, molybdenum, niobium, or a combination thereof; a is from 0 to 9; v is from 0 to 9; y is from 5 to 6; z is 61 or 62; w is greater than or equal to 4; and A is a counterion.
 41. The composition of claim 30, wherein the first polyoxometalate further comprises the formula [X₂ ^(r+)V_(u) ^(s+)Z_(18-u) ^(y+)O₆₂]^(w−)[A], wherein X is at least one of phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, aluminum, boron, zinc, cobalt, or iron; a is from 1 to 9; and w is greater than or equal to
 4. 42. The composition of claim 30, wherein the first polyoxometalate further comprises the formula [X₂ ^(r+)M_(v) ^(t+)Z_(18-v) ^(y+)O₆₂]^(w−)[A], wherein X is at least one of phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, aluminum, boron, zinc, cobalt, or iron; v is from 1 to 9; and w is greater than or equal to
 4. 43. The composition of claim 30, wherein the first polyoxometalate further comprises the formula [YV_(p)Z_(12-p)O₄₀][A], wherein Y is phosphorus, silicon, or aluminum; Z is tungsten or molybdenum; p is from 1 to 6, and A is a counterion.
 44. The composition of claim 30, wherein the second polyoxometalate further comprises the formula A[V_(k)Mo_(m)W_(n)Nb_(o)Ta_(p)M_(q)X_(r)O_(s)]^(y−), wherein A includes at least one counterion selected from alkali metal cations, alkaline earth metal cations, ammonium cations, quaternary ammonium cations, d-block cations, f-block cations, and combinations thereof, wherein M includes at least one element selected from an f-block element and a d-block element having at least one d-electron, except for vanadium, molybdenum, tungsten, niobium, or tantalum, wherein X includes at least on element selected from a p-block element, a d-block element, and an f-block element, except for oxygen, wherein k can range from 0 to 30, wherein m can range from 0 to 160, wherein n can range from 0 to 160, wherein o can range from 0 to 30, where p can range from 0 to 10, wherein q can range from 0 to 30, wherein r can range from 0 to 30, wherein s is a number so that y is greater than zero, wherein the sum of k, m, n, o, and p is greater than or equal to four; and wherein the sum of k, m, and q is greater than zero.
 45. The composition of claim 30, wherein the second polyoxometalate further comprises the formula [X^(g)V_(b) ^(j+)M_(c) ^(h+)Z_(12-b-c) ^(i+)O_(x)]^(u−)[A], wherein X is at least one p-, d-, or f-block element; g is greater than or equal to 2; M is at least one f-block element or d-block element having at least one d-electron, wherein M is not vanadium; h is from 1 to 7; i is from 5 to 6; j is from 4 to 5; x is 39 or 40; Z is tungsten, molybdenum, niobium, or a combination thereof; b is from 0 to 6; c is from 0 to 6; u is from 3 to 9; and A is a counterion.
 46. The composition of claim 30, wherein the second polyoxometalate further comprises the formula [X^(g)V_(b) ^(j+)Z_(12-b) ^(i+)O₄₀]^(u−)[A], wherein X is at least one of phosphorus, silicon, aluminum, boron, zinc, cobalt, or iron; b is from 1 to 6, and a is from 3 to
 9. 47. The composition of claim 30, wherein the second polyoxometalate further comprises the formula [X^(g+)M_(c) ^(h+)Z_(12-c) ^(i+)O₄₀]^(u−)[A], wherein X is at least one of phosphorus, silicon, aluminum, boron, zinc, cobalt, or iron; c is from 1 to 6, and a is from 3 to
 9. 48. The composition of claim 30, wherein the second polyoxometalate further comprises the formula [X₂ ^(r+)V_(u) ^(s+)M_(v) ^(t+)Z_(18-u-v) ^(y+)O_(z)]^(w−)[A], wherein X is at least one p-, d-, or f-block element; r is greater than or equal to 1; M is at least one f-block element or d-block element having at least one d-electron, wherein M is not vanadium; t is from 1 to 7; s is from 4 to 5; Z is tungsten, molybdenum, niobium, or a combination thereof; a is from 0 to 9; v is from 0 to 9; y is from 5 to 6; z is 61 or 62; w is greater than or equal to 4; and A is a counterion.
 49. The composition of claim 30, wherein the second polyoxometalate further comprises the formula [X₂ ^(r+)V_(u) ^(s+)Z_(18-u) ^(y+)O₆₂]^(w−)[A], wherein X is at least one of phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, aluminum, boron, zinc, cobalt, or iron; a is from 1 to 9; and w is greater than or equal to
 4. 50. The composition of claim 30, wherein the second polyoxometalate further comprises the formula [X₂ ^(r+)M_(v) ^(t+)Z_(18-v) ^(y+)O₆₂ ]^(w−)[A], wherein X is at least one of phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, aluminum, boron, zinc, cobalt, or iron; v is from 1 to 9; and w is greater than or equal to
 4. 51. The composition of claim 30, wherein the second polyoxometalate further comprises the formula [YV_(p)Z_(12-p)O₄₀][A], wherein Y is phosphorus, silicon, or aluminum; Z is tungsten or molybdenum; p is from 1 to 6, and A is a counterion.
 52. The composition of claim 34, wherein the first polyoxometalate is selected from TBA_(9-x)H_(x)[A-α-(Fe(NO₃))₃PW₉O₃₇], TBA_(12-x)H_(x)[A-α-(Cu(NO₃))₃PW₉O₃₇], TBA_(9-x)H_(x)[A-α-(Ce(III)(NO₃))₃PW₉O₃₇], and TBA_(6-x)H_(x)[A-α-(Ce(IV)(NO₃))₃PW₉O₃₇].
 53. The composition of claim 44, wherein the second polyoxometalate is TBA_(12-n-x)Na_(n)[A-α-(CuBr)₃PW₉Br_(x)O_(37-x)] and TBA_(12-n-x)Na_(n)[A-α-(FeBr)₃PW₉Br_(x)O_(37-x)].
 54. The composition of claim 30, wherein the composition is included in a material.
 55. The composition of claim 54, wherein the material selected from a fabric, a topical carrier, powder, and a coating.
 56. A method of removing a contaminant, comprising: contacting the composition of claim 30 with the contaminant.
 57. The method of claim 56, wherein the composition is included in a material.
 58. The method of claim 57, wherein the material selected from a fabric, a topical carrier, powder, and a coating. 